Welcome to my home in the blogosphere. I'll be exploring my favorite books, movies, and the writing world in general, along with discovering my new home, California. I'll also be sharing my old home, New Hampshire with you. Thanks for popping in and I hope you enjoy some romance under the moonlight.

A Gentleman and a Rogue

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my young adult romance, Young Witchcraft. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:

About this snippet: **3rd Place Winner in the 2015 International Digital Awards in Young Adult Fiction, Short Story**ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

Rachel skipped down the stairs. She didn't quite understand it
either, but Joe's friendship meant everything to her, wise or not. Rachel
watched as Joe had his head down, staring at his ankle. Doug Kent, a
fellow player on the bench, jabbed him with an elbow.
"I think Rachel's soft on you," Doug said. He tried to lower his voice, but
Rachel still heard him. She stilled, curious what would happen next.
Joe looked at Doug and shrugged his shoulders.
"She's kinda' cute," Doug continued, "But she's not very outgoing."

YOUNG WITCHCRAFT:

BLURB:Rachel's secret would have Cotton Mather rolling over in his grave. She's been raised from an early age to use magic for good, despite her temptation to cast a spell against Phil the bully who can't stop teasing her.

Joe thinks Rachel is cool, especially when she weaves her healing magic spells on him, but he's got his own problems. It's not easy keeping Rachel safe from Phil's constant threats.

When Phil poisons Rachel, can love and little young witchcraft bring Rachel and Joe together or have years of Phil's bullying ruined their relationship for good?

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my young adult romance, Young Witchcraft. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:

About this snippet: Rachel makes a choice**3rd Place Winner in the 2015 International Digital Awards in Young Adult Fiction, Short Story**ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

She scrunched up her nose. She felt bad disregarding her father, but she would feel worse if she didn't
go to Joe.
Gnawing at her lower lip, she stood.
Her father glanced at her. Rachel's mother peered over her father's
shoulder.
"It's not wise," her father said."I have to." Her father picked up a water bottle and handed it to her. "Broomsticks and
crystals, at least have a reason. And be alert. Don't let anyone see your
eyes glow."

YOUNG WITCHCRAFT:

BLURB:Rachel's secret would have Cotton Mather rolling over in his grave. She's been raised from an early age to use magic for good, despite her temptation to cast a spell against Phil the bully who can't stop teasing her.

Joe thinks Rachel is cool, especially when she weaves her healing magic spells on him, but he's got his own problems. It's not easy keeping Rachel safe from Phil's constant threats.

When Phil poisons Rachel, can love and little young witchcraft bring Rachel and Joe together or have years of Phil's bullying ruined their relationship for good?

About this snippet: Rachel's conflict continues...**3rd Place Winner in the 2015 International Digital Awards in Young Adult Fiction, Short Story**ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

She glanced at her dad, "I should go down there."
"It would look awkward, dear." He paused, "I
don't like the idea of you being close to that wolf."
Rachel lowered her voice, "You said Phil wouldn't actually turn into a
werewolf until he was eighteen."
"Wolves have always treated witches with disrespect."
Rachel's jaw clenched. Just recently her father had shared several secrets
with her. She'd learned Phil Bean's family passed on the werewolf gene
and had since the time of Cotton Mather. In fact, there was a rumor that
Mather himself had been a werewolf. Thank the broomsticks Joe wasn't a
wolf.

YOUNG WITCHCRAFT:

BLURB:Rachel's secret would have Cotton Mather rolling over in his grave. She's been raised from an early age to use magic for good, despite her temptation to cast a spell against Phil the bully who can't stop teasing her.

Joe thinks Rachel is cool, especially when she weaves her healing magic spells on him, but he's got his own problems. It's not easy keeping Rachel safe from Phil's constant threats.

When Phil poisons Rachel, can love and little young witchcraft bring Rachel and Joe together or have years of Phil's bullying ruined their relationship for good?

About this snippet: Rachel is torn.**3rd Place Winner in the 2015 International Digital Awards in Young Adult Fiction, Short Story**ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

Joe hung out under the basket, jumped,
and blocked a shot. Phil got the rebound and drove it down to their court. Joe
now visibly limped. The coach called a time out and pulled him. Joe sat on the
bench and rubbed his ankle, but didn't wince or frown.

Rachel sat on her hands. Should she go to him? Rachel drew in a long
breath then ran a hand over her hair. Joe stared at his ankle and furrowed his
brow. Broomsticks!

YOUNG WITCHCRAFT:

BLURB:Rachel's secret would have Cotton Mather rolling over in his grave. She's been raised from an early age to use magic for good, despite her temptation to cast a spell against Phil the bully who can't stop teasing her.

Joe thinks Rachel is cool, especially when she weaves her healing magic spells on him, but he's got his own problems. It's not easy keeping Rachel safe from Phil's constant threats.

When Phil poisons Rachel, can love and little young witchcraft bring Rachel and Joe together or have years of Phil's bullying ruined their relationship for good?

2012 Romance of the Year

Journey of the Heart

AMAZON BEST SELLER! It's 1946 - can James help Rachel save her winery after the ravages of war?

Visit me on Twitter at: StephBurkhart

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Quotes on writing:

"Transitions are critically important. I want the reader to turn the page without thinking she's turning the page. It must flow seamlessly." - Janet Evanovich

"You can stroke people with words."~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

"Words are... the most powerful drug used by mankind."~ Rudyard Kipling

Write drunk; edit sober.- Ernest Hemingway

"A word is deadWhen it is said, Some say.I say it just Begins to liveThat day."~ Emily Dickenson

"Never Regret. If it's good, it's

wonderful. If it's bad, it's

experience." - Victoria Holt

By Heart and Compass

Recommended Read: Danielle Thorne's released, July 2010

Recommended Read:

"Drew realizes the true meaning behind her need for touch, when a tiger shark shifter walks out of her dreams and takes her to his underwater world."

About Me

A member of Generation X, Stephanie was born in Manchester, New Hampshire. After graduating from Central High, she joined the U.S. Army. She spent 11 years in the military, 7 stationed in Germany. While in the military she earned her B.S. in Political Science from California Baptist University in Riverside, CA in 1995. She left the Army in 1997 and settled in California. She now works for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher. The New England Patriots are still her favorite football team. Stephanie has been married for over 19 years. She has two boys, Andrew, 8, and Joseph, 4.